The New York Giants and head coach Brian Daboll have decided to bench veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart from Week 4 onwards.
It echoes 2024, when Daniel Jones was benched midseason for Tommy DeVito. When asked if the Giants took any lessons from last season’s QB1 change, star wide receiver Malik Nabers had an epic reaction.
Malik Nabers Reacts After Rookie Jaxson Dart Replaces Russell Wilson as QB1
Giants wide receiver Nabers had a witty take on the team’s quarterback change, summing up the situation in just 10 words: “They gon’ find a way to get 1 the ball.”
Nabers’ deadpan reaction reflects a simple truth in the NFL: no matter who’s under center, the Giants’ offense will still get the ball to its key playmakers.
Several reports of a quarterback change have been circulated over the past few days, and on Wednesday, Daboll confirmed the news, saying he made the decision.
Malik Nabers when asked what he learned from Giants changing QBs last year, via @SNYGiants:
“They gon’ find a way to get 1 the ball.”pic.twitter.com/wccpg6UpAD
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 24, 2025
“He [Dart] is our starter. We’re going forward with Jaxson, and we’re going to get him ready to play,” he said. “It’s my decision. I think it’s the right thing and that’s the direction we’re going to go.”
Nabers isn’t new to this type of situation. Last year, when the Giants replaced Jones with DeVito, the team lost 30-7 to Tampa Bay. Nabers had a similar reaction then, also emphasizing that the quarterback isn’t solely to be blamed.
“It ain’t the quarterback. Same outcome when we had DJ at quarterback. Take a look. It ain’t the quarterback,” Nabers had said.
Why Is Dart Replacing Wilson As Giants’ Quarterback?
The Giants have had a nightmare 0-3 start to their 2025 campaign, losing all three games against the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs. While Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 2 matchup against Dallas, the Giants still fell 40-37 in overtime.
While the Giants’ defensive line remains one of the league’s fiercest, there were questions about the quarterback situation. Given Wilson’s lack of consistent offensive production and the team’s poor start to the season, head coach Daboll was forced to make the tough call.
The rookie Dart, who will be replacing Wilson, had an impressive college career. He started at USC before moving to Ole Miss, where he emerged as one of the SEC’s most reliable quarterbacks. After four seasons and 45 games, he developed into a quarterback ready for the NFL.
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In his senior season at Ole Miss, Dart threw for 4,279 yards with a 69.3% completion rate, tossed 29 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and added nearly 500 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. Those stats made him one of college football’s most efficient passers and a top-tier NFL prospect.
Meanwhile, Wilson struggled out of the gate. In Week 1, he completed 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards. Against Kansas City, he finished just over 56% for 160 yards with two interceptions.
Wilson joined the Giants from the Pittsburgh Steelers, hoping to reboot his career. Daboll had initially confirmed him as the starter, but his 0-3 start has changed plans.
The Giants now turn to Dart as they face the 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in Week 4, hoping to avoid the dreaded 0-4 start.
